Cheapo Weekend for March 21-23: Early Cherry Blossoms!

Written by Carey Finn

Spring is officially here (but don’t send us hate mail if it snows again), so get outside this long weekend. There’s lots going on in Tokyo.

If you’re itching to see sakura (cherry blossoms), head down to Ueno Park to catch some early bloomers. Around 800 cherry trees and 1 000 lanterns make for a spectacular sight, both day and night (that rhymes – aren’t we just so poetic?). The park’s cherry blossom festival kicks off this weekend.

Meanwhile, over at Yoyogi Park, Tokyo Outdoor Weekend 2014 will be happening on Saturday and Sunday. It’s a festival/expo thing celebrating, well, all things outdoors. You can try your hand at bouldering and rock climbing, buy a tent, eat stuff and take various fitness workshops. The Oedo Antique Market will be on at the park on Friday.

Sumo Morning Practice Tour at Stable in Tokyo

Try this insider’s experience at a sumo wrestler morning practice session. Enjoy exclusive access to a sumo stable, watching as these massive athletes put themselves through their daily training regimen and go head-to-head.

Click here for details

If you prefer to keep a safe distance from nature, you could always skip the sunshine and check out Anime Japan instead, or head to Shibuya for the last couple of days of Fashion Week.

Written by: Carey Finn

Carey's Tokyo favorites are: Shuzenji Day Trip: Little Kyoto, Near Tokyo, Morning Sumo Practice in Tokyo—Everything You Need To Know